[Milsurplus] ID Cables

Fri, 13 Dec 2002 22:29:52 EST

Well, Jim, I couldn't agree less.

It's not the availability of better parts that is the problem. It the 
procurement and use of them. Just a little while ago that found that certain 
aircraft were falling apart in the sky due to the use of non-spec parts. 
Screws that were breaking in midair.

There is no stress on cellphones, and no lives at risk. Not a very good 
correlation.

Some obsolation is inconsequential. My "32", $395.00, TV gets all the 
channels I care to watch. I'm impressed with the new TVs that sell for 
$6,995.00 and above, but I don't NEED one.

On the other hand, I want our Air force Pilots (Now almost obsolete due to 
strides in pilot-less military aircraft) to have the very best, the latest, 
and MADE WITH THE VERY BEST MIL-SPEC PARTS. And that goes for advanced gear 
for ground troops as well. Weapons, night Scopes, the latest and the best of 
every thing.

But, I'm still using reel to reel and cassette tape recorders (which can be 
repaired), because they suit my purposes (Making tapes for broadcasting) fine.

Digital is great, and so is audio streaming, but, they are expensive, and 
broadcasters are still having problems with it. Maybe next year.

So, what am I saying? I'm saying that for some things, the absence of 
mil-spec is just fine. For others, a very big mistake.

I'd rather pay for one that does the job well and is safe to use when it's 
important, not just to the saving of lives, but, also getting the job done 
quickly and when required, accurately.

I guess I could add another 20,000 words, but, hopefully, I've made a point 
for quality and mil-spec, which, hopefully, will also go hand in hand.

73 Es

Merry Christmas

DE Ron K  --  W1ARS

    Date:   12/13/02 7:01:23 PM Eastern Standard Time
From:   [email protected]
Sender: [email protected]
To: [email protected]

I agree that cost is driving all of the change in military procurement. 
But it is my impression that Mil Specs "went away" because commercial
quality was just as good, without the added cost of constant inspection.

Look at cell phones as an example.  I would bet the usual reason for
upgrading is either for more bells and whistles (games, e-mail etc.) or
because the battery has reached end of life (due to constant charge
cycling).  And a replacement, if one could be found, is way too
expensive.

Along the same lines, the wife wants a new big screen TV.  I want to put
it off until the living room set fails.  That should be sometime in the
next decade.  Heck, it's only five years old!

Regards,
Jim